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Strawberry season has arrived! The Natural Medicine Center would like to briefly inform you upon the health benefits these tasteful fruits have to offer.

Beginning with nutrients, strawberries are known to be jam packed! More specifically strawberries are nutrient dense with Vitamin C, Magnese, Folate, and Potassium.

Vitamin C is beneficial for your immune system. The vitamin is also great for healthy skin and much more.

The Folate, also referred to as B9, helps with tissue growth and cell function. This is also why women expecting children and the elderly are suggested to eat strawberries or other folate rich foods.

Lastly, the potassium in strawberries helps to regulate blood pressure. Most people think of bananas as a potassium rich food, but, in fact, strawberries and many other fruits are as well.

Another perk to eating strawberries is their abundance in antioxidants. They have shown to play a role in fighting free radicals (better known as cancer cells). Some of the antioxidants found inside are Pelargondin, Ellagic Acid, Ellagitannins, and Procyanidins. The Pelargondin is responsible for the color of the strawberries, whereas the Ellagic Acid contains a chemical compound, polyphenol, that has proven to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The Ellagitannins found within strawberries will turn into Ellagic Acids after reaching your gut. The Procyanidins, on the other hand, are actually found on the outside of the strawberry, on the flesh and inside the seeds. They have been known to prevent heart disease and cancer.

Although strawberries have all these benefits, there are also disadvantages. Strawberries had taken second place on the “Dirty Dozen” list for nearly five years before taking apples’ place for top of the list in 2016. Thus meaning that strawberries have the highest level of pesticide residue than any other fruit in the United States. Pesticides from strawberries may lead to neurological disorders, endocrine and reproductive disorders, immune system deficiencies, and possibly cancer. Studies show that pesticides are in the environment and avoiding them is extremely tough. But, keeping our toxin level down is key.

There is a ton of research supporting the fact that organic and pesticide free produce is A LOT healthier than conventionally grown strawberries, allowing us to enjoy this nutritious fruit with PEACE OF MIND.

The Natural Medicine Center is offering locally grown and pesticide free strawberries on Fridays from 2-5 pm. We hope to see you there!

Favorite Recipe

1 bunch fresh spinach

1 cup sliced pesticide free strawberries

1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese

1/2 cup raw walnuts

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1/2 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons honey

Combine the spinach, strawberries, goat cheese, and walnuts in a large bowl.

Stir the balsamic vinegar and honey together in a bowl; slowly stream the olive oil into the mixture while whisking continuously. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.

Have you heard the *Buzz* about Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Devices?

PEMF—that is a lexicon you’d be wise to hold at the forefront of your mind. Why? PEMFs exist as a technologic category of devices (different brands / different frequency settings)…but this group of *wellness tools* is evolving quick and gaining in popularity. PEMFs heighten oxygen uptake within every cell of an exposed human’s body. Enhanced O2 uptake means that your body’s metabolism improves. Also, PEMF exposed cells in your body receive the blood and nutrients necessary for healing. PEMF units direct rapid but intermittent magnetic impulses through tissue—which stimulates cellular repair (for review, [1]). This therapy can be used on a concentrated area of the body or on the body as a whole.

Our bodies have between 70 and 90 BILLION cells within them. Cells are healthy / happy when they are both nourished and detoxified. Slow or low blood perfusion in our microvessels sets an occasion for chronic disease development. Here’s some good news: PEMF therapy actually acts to ‘flush’ microvessels. Said differently, the PEMF intensifies blood and lymph circulation. With blood pumping more efficiently, and lymph flowing more readily, body cells eliminate toxins. This is because transiently absorbed electromagnetic energy—much like a physiochemical catalysts–intervenes in and ACTIVATES biological processes [2].

How do you use the device?

All you have to do is lie down on the device for 8 minutes once or twice a day. If you want to use the device on a specific body part, many PEMF devices boast an additional ‘area specific’ or focused PEMF accessory. The area specific PEMF accessory can be held over injured or inflamed body parts (e.g., inflamed or swollen knee/ ankle). A stressed or injured region of the body engages immunologic repair mechanisms more quickly due to positive changes in microcirculation, vasomotion, venous outflow, and oxygen utilization [3].

Are there Psychic or BioSocial Applications for PEMF units?

Lots of citizens in today’s fast paced society succumb to stress, then experiencing depression. Did you know that electromagnetic field therapies elevate a person’s mood [4]? Mounting anecdotal evidence suggests that the specific PEMF device we are willing to SHARE (come to the Natural Medicine Center) has a mood elevating effect.

Sleep promotes health, right? Here is a personal testimony: due to my new habit of regularly exposing myself to PEMF, I sleep better. If you took the bold step to become a PEMF owner, you too would be able to sleep all night on this WONDERFUL device. If you are impressed or at least intrigued by the PEMF discussion that I have laid out for you in this blog, please come by the Natural Medicine Center for a free session. I realize that the Lays Potato Chip Company already “coined” this marketing slogan….but several of the patients that I’ve introduced our PEMF device to…well, they say it’s pretty hard to stop with just ONE (session). –Dr Catherine Onuoha, RPh, PhD, BCPP

As we spend the evening talking about confronting inflammation, preventing disease and reclaiming your health!

Our friend and expert nutritionist, Kathy Howitt, RDN, CCN is leading our event. Kathy works with a program called SHAPE ReClaimed. Shape ReClaimed is a safe, effective homeopathic glycoprotein complex formula created to decrease the total inflammatory load in your body. Shape ReClaimed is supported with over 30 years of clinical experience.

Learn how to:

Reduce inflammation

Enhance immune function

Detox

Lose Weight

Improve your bodies PH

Enhance vitamin use

“Is there such a thing as a patient without Inflammation? It is rare! It’s no secret that there is an epidemic of inflammation in this nation. Statistically, 75-90% of all doctor visits stem from lifestyle choices. Understanding the cause and philosophy behind inflammation will help you extinguish the ‘flames’ plaguing your health”

Spring is the season prized for lovely new “blooms”, but as many of us have noticed, ALLERGIES roll in during our Spring Season in Florida. Allergy sufferers are bothered by sinus or tension headaches, body aches, excessive mucous, sneezing and tearing or swelling eyes. The unfortunate truth is: Allergies aren’t curable, we can only work towards lessening symptoms. The mechanism underlying an environmentally instigated allergic response is the immune system.

Treat Your Symptoms

Taking natural herbal remedies is the best way to get rid of your allergy symptoms. Keep in mind that MANY supplements are misbranded—shoppers must be very intentional—you should buy supplements only from a trusted source. We recommend the quality supplements obtained from trained herbalists, or a doctor that you trust.

Distance Yourself from Pollen- Dust- or Mold

I’ve trained patients to stay away from the natural substances and chemical entities each person is sensitized to. Patients who are allergic to pollen should dwell indoors during the peak pollen dissemination intervals [8 am – 12 pm and 5:00pm – 9:00pm]. Humidity is also a factor to contemplate as an allergy-sufferer plans out his/her nature tours. The general rule of thumb is to expect higher pollen counts on hot , dry and windy days.

Cook with Ginger

Ginger is a natural antihistamine and decongestant. It will provide you with relief from allergy symptoms by helping to open up your bronchial tubes.

Also eating apples, carrots, red onions, black tea and collard greens will also help your food fight off allergens.

Lobelia

Lobelia inflata is an herb that is used to treat asthma, allergies, whooping cough, congestion, and bronchitis. In the past, this useful herb had some utility for tobacco withdrawal, and to assist smokers in their pledge to stop smoking.

How we can help you at The Natural Medicine Center of Lakeland:

Thermography

The image above is a high resolution infrared image of a client’s head who suffers from environmental allergies. The red and white HOT areas of the image represent INFLAMMATION. As you can see the client imaged has inflammation around her eyes, and in her sinus cavities. She also has some inflammation in her neck where her lymphatic system is. This is an indicator that her body is having an immune response to her allergens. Thermography is an innovative medical discovery tool. We are able to see if there are areas in your body that need extra support to prevent disease and illness. If we see signs that your immune system is struggling in certain areas of your body, we can help you treat the issue. Then in the future, we can repeat a thermal scan in the area of interest to make sure you are on the mend.

Allergy testing

Since it is in your best interest to stay away and defend yourself from your allergens, taking an allergy test is a great first step. We offer a simple and inexpensive in office blood test that will not only tell you what you are allergic to, but also how severe your allergy is.

Natural Allergy Supplements:

Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (often short handed: PUFAs) –

have anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties. People who have food allergies benefit preferentially from Omega 3 supplements, as Fish Oil and various purified PUFA capsules are superb for controlling intestinal allergies.

RIF – Resolve Internal Fire –

A proprietary blend of herbs, with Curcumin as its primary ingredient. Curcumins are plant derived and cleanly extracted from a turmeric rhizome plant. This herbal blend also features licorice root. The herbal acts as a POTENT anti-inflammatory. As allergic symptoms have genesis from inflamed mucous membranes—this blended herb will help!

Lakeland, FL. – Natural Medicine Center of Lakeland is holding a free forum for healthcare providers and community members in Central Florida on Mar 20. Participants will discuss an innovative solution for the opioid crisis that resolves pain, the number one reason for prescribed opioids. The forum will be held at 315 Doris Dr, Lakeland, FL.

While government and communities are attempting to solve the opioid crisis by providing addiction therapy or electronic prescription monitoring, little attention is being given to impacting the pain crisis that has fueled the demand for opioid painkillers.

Special guest Dr. Ramon Nunez, founder of Somatic Functional Therapy (SFT), will demonstrate clinically-proven strategies for pain resolution, based on 10 years of clinical research and 40-plus years of experience treating patients with chronic pain.

Dr. Catherine Onuoha, a leading authority on complementary and alternative approaches to healthcare, highlights the importance of offering safe, effective ways to resolve pain. “Opioid pain medications are addictive and fail to address the underlying cause of a pain disorder. New evidence has shown that Somatic Functional Therapy allows patients to decrease their dependence on opioid drugs,” said Dr. Onuoha.

By the Numbers:*

Chronic pain affects 100 million people in the US, more than diabetes, heart disease, and cancer combined.

Approximately 20% of patients presenting to physician offices with pain-related diagnoses (including acute and chronic pain) receive an opioid prescription.

In 2014, nearly two million Americans either abused or were dependent on prescription opioid pain relievers.

About Natural Medicine CenterThe Natural Medicine Center of Lakeland is a collaboration of healing arts practitioners dedicated to serving the well-being of the community. The center is a multidisciplinary practice where doctors, licensed therapists, acupuncturists and nutritionists work collaboratively to treat an array of disorders. The center is owned and operated by Dr. Catherine Onuoha, who holds a PhD in the combined disciplines of Pharmacology and Toxicology from the Medical College of Virginia. She specializes in hormonal health and psychiatric counseling and is board certified to perform psychiatric medication adjustments.

Why Functional Medicine? Well, if you’re not sleeping well, seem cranky all day and your stomach seem always upset. In addition you’re feeling a bit down and just can’t figure out why. You head to your primary physician for—if you’re lucky—a 10-minute talk about what’s going on with you. The physician listens, nods his/her head a few times and then hands you a prescription or two, shakes your hand, and says “this should help”. Case closed unless you call for another appointment.

You get home and Google the prescribed drugs to read all the potential side effects, constipation, dry mouth, dizziness, confusion, thoughts of suicide, lower sex drive and the list goes on. Does this approach actually make anyone better? In a word, no. It’s an attempt to mask the actual cause of your symptoms verses address them to heal.

Why Functional Medicine?

It’s the most profound and effective way to treat patients—particularly those with chronic health issues and here’s the 7 reasons why Functional Medicine is FOR YOU:

1. Functional Medicine is all about you

In simplest terms, think of it as the ultimate in personalized, one-on-one, therapeutic relationships. It’s a health-focused, patient-centric partnership, in which doctor and patient work together to dig deep and find out the causes of illness and disease. We examine not only the patient, but also their unique history, environment, lifestyle and underlying factors, and then develop a health-enhancing, usually drug-free plan to help restore the patient to good health and get him or her on a life-long path of wellness. With Functional Medicine, we look beyond the laundry list of symptoms; the whole person is taken into account.

3. Functional Medicine is not assembly-line medicine

Our current healthcare system is, to a large extent, governed by profit-driven conglomerates that essentially force physicians to manage huge caseloads and keep people moving through the system as quickly as possible. It’s mass-produced, assembly line, quick-fix, put-a-band-aid-on-it medicine, with little hope of creating long-term health. To it’s credit however, Conventional Medicine is great at managing medical and surgical emergencies, medical crises, acute infections and trauma, but falls way short when it comes to treating chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, gastrointestinal problems, chronic fatigue, autoimmune diseases, functional disorders, musculoskeletal problems and stress related disorders. This is where Functional Medicine is near perfect with its more comprehensive, thoughtful individual approach. After all, you are unique and so should your health recovery plan be.

2. Functional Medicine is artisan medicine

With Functional Medicine, the patient experience is anything but conventional. One might even call it ‘artisan medicine’, because it an art of balance, involves time, care and patience, since true healing doesn’t happen overnight. With Functional Medicine, we treat the person who has the disease rather than the disease the person has. It’s not unusual for my colleagues and me to spend an hour or more with patients, listening to their histories, doing the detective work, asking questions, and examining the genetic, environmental, and lifestyle patterns that effect health. By addressing the underlying causes of illness and disease, Functional Medicine practitioners are able to design unique, personalized healing plans that Conventional Medicine literally doesn’t have the tools, training, or the time for.

4. Functional Medicine is the best of both worlds

Functional Medicine is not an either/or system, but rather a true combination of Conventional Medicine and many different alternative and complementary therapies. It acknowledges the strengths of Conventional Medicine for acute and crisis-care, but also realizes that this approach does not have the tools for preventing and treating chronic diseases. Unlike conventional physicians, we are able to tap into all the tools of healing—drawing from Western, Eastern, alternative, preventative and integrative medical practices—to help our patients heal. By pulling from all of these approaches and by paying special attention to diet, exercise, nutrition, supplementation and the workings of the mind, we’re not just giving patients a band-aid, we’re giving them the tools to create sustainable wellness and vitality. To me, is what true healing is all about.

5. Functional Medicine looks for the cause

In Conventional Medicine, doctors try to make a diagnosis and then apply a treatment for that particular diagnosis. In Functional Medicine we are less concerned with making a diagnosis and more concerned with the underlying imbalances or dysfunctions. These are the mechanisms of the disease process. We aim at treating those underlying disease mechanisms and ultimately look for the causes of those imbalances.

6. Functional Medicine is medicine on a mission

I call myself a health evangelist, in part because I am a man on a mission. I aim to show the unwell how they can transform their health. Certainly they will need to do the work as I can’t do it for them, but we will work as partners to restore balance and health to their lives. And participating in the process, that slow transition from illness to wellness, is one of the greatest joys of Functional Medicine—for both patient and practitioner.

7. Functional Medicine is true Health Care

Functional Medicine is true health care, unlike the disease care model of Conventional Medicine. We now have the knowledge to go beyond the current crisis care model and offer patients a much better approach to their health. We can incorporate lifestyle medicine, nutrition, supplements, stress reduction and exercise to improve the functioning of organs as a means of preventing disease and creating vibrant, sustainable health.

Have you heard the *Buzz* about Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Devices?

PEMF—that is a lexicon you’d be wise to hold at the forefront of your mind. Why? PEMFs exist as a technologic category of devices (different brands / different frequency settings)…but this group of *wellness tools* is evolving quick and gaining in popularity. PEMFs heighten oxygen uptake within every cell of an exposed human’s body. Enhanced O2 uptake means that your body’s metabolism improves. Also, PEMF exposed cells in your body receive the blood and nutrients necessary for healing. PEMF units direct rapid but intermittent magnetic impulses through tissue—which stimulates cellular repair (for review, [1]). This therapy can be used on a concentrated area of the body or on the body as a whole.

Our bodies have between 70 and 90 BILLION cells within them. Cells are healthy / happy when they are both nourished and detoxified. Slow or low blood perfusion in our microvessels sets an occasion for chronic disease development. Here’s some good news: PEMF therapy actually acts to ‘flush’ microvessels. Said differently, the PEMF intensifies blood and lymph circulation. With blood pumping more efficiently, and lymph flowing more readily, body cells eliminate toxins. This is because transiently absorbed electromagnetic energy—much like a physiochemical catalysts–intervenes in and ACTIVATES biological processes [2].

How do you use the device?

All you have to do is lie down on the device for 8 minutes once or twice a day. If you want to use the device on a specific body part, many PEMF devices boast an additional ‘area specific’ or focused PEMF accessory. The area specific PEMF accessory can be held over injured or inflamed body parts (e.g., inflamed or swollen knee/ ankle). A stressed or injured region of the body engages immunologic repair mechanisms more quickly due to positive changes in microcirculation, vasomotion, venous outflow, and oxygen utilization [3].

Are there Psychic or BioSocial Applications for PEMF units?

Lots of citizens in today’s fast paced society succumb to stress, then experiencing depression. Did you know that electromagnetic field therapies elevate a person’s mood [4]? Mounting anecdotal evidence suggests that the specific PEMF device we are willing to SHARE (come to the Natural Medicine Center) has a mood elevating effect.

Sleep promotes health, right? Here is a personal testimony: due to my new habit of regularly exposing myself to PEMF, I sleep better. If you took the bold step to become a PEMF owner, you too would be able to sleep all night on this WONDERFUL device. If you are impressed or at least intrigued by the PEMF discussion that I have laid out for you in this blog, please come by the Natural Medicine Center for a free session. I realize that the Lays Potato Chip Company already “coined” this marketing slogan….but several of the patients that I’ve introduced our PEMF device to…well, they say it’s pretty hard to stop with just ONE (session). –Dr Catherine Onuoha, RPh, PhD, BCPP

ADHD Natural Treatment Approaches are a great way to reduce or eliminate prescription drugs that you or your child takes. Even if your child has not been formally diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder but you suspect it, you may use these natural approaches which for the most part are just good nutrition.

ADHD at times might appear pandemic due to the ever increasing rise in diagnosis. From the CDC infographic on the right you can see that Florida has had 11.1 – 13% of its population officially diagnosed with ADHD as of their 2012 report. Boys are diagnosed with ADHD at a much higher rate than girls.

So from this – KNOW YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Most ADHD persons are either auditory (listening) or kinetic (hands on) learners. They naturally are wired to jump in and get physically involved with their environment. So sitting still in a classroom all day is simply against their nature.

Remember, it actually was not long ago that humans were hunters and gatherers. It was even more recent that the average person toiled away in fields. Modern life is actually counter-intuitive to our biology. We are very complex beings with incredible intellectual abilities and potential, but that big brain is connected to a body that is fundamentally designed to PHYSICALLY WORK. Sitting behind a desk all day IS NOT NATURAL for anyone let alone a young child.

Do You Want to Feel Better?

ADHD Natural Treatment Approaches

Lots of Physical Play, Limited TV / iPad and Family Engagement

Be sure your child has plenty of physical activity. When our son seems a bit hyped up he runs laps around the back yard. Today there is too little time spent on active play and too much time spent with tablets / iPads. Sure some cognitive ability can be developed with games but for an active child the physical action is absolutely necessary. When I was a child my mother had a rule we lived by.

After school or during the summer we were outside and didn’t go (weren’t allowed) back in unless we were thirsty, hungry, needed to us the bathroom or was bleeding.

We were required to use our imagination and play outside. We were each allowed one TV show (I had two sisters so that meant we all could watch 3 shows – each could choose one). In our home now we use internet based TV, so via HULU, our 7-year-old son watches “The Brady Bunch.” Sure he watches other shows too, but I find the simple, non-hyper well-written stories are great lessons. We also strive to have family game night at least twice a week where we sit and build LEGO set, play cards, Connect Four,Trouble and many activities. We are fortunate to have some kids his age on our block and they play outside for around 2-3 hours every day after school and up to 5 hours a day on the weekends.

Nutrition

Many diseases can be avoided and often corrected by a proper healthy diet. ADHD persons tend to be drawn to carbohydrates which spike the blood sugar levels sending their brains into a hyperactive mode. So limit carbohydrates, specifically glutens and sugar in any form even artificial sweeteners and caffeine.

When the blood sugar drops their ability to focus is lost. It’s like a roller coaster of brain activity cranking up and plummeting down.

Ensure the ADHD person is getting enough protein across animal, eggs legume (beans), nuts and dairy (avoiding any allergies). Also high fiber in the form of fresh fruit and veggies. These provide sustainable carbs and loads of vitamins and nutrients in their whole natural form. If you’d like to save a bit be sure to check out the Lakeland Downtown Curb Market and the Auburndale Flea Market’s Produce isle. I’ve found Sunday between 2 – 4pm at the Auburndale Market the be the lowest prices as vendors slash prices before their last hour of sale. I find I save around 40 – 60% off product compared to local grocery stores.

Supplements

Naturally it would be ideal to obtain all the vitamins and mineral needed for optimal health and function from the foods we eat. But having kids ourselves we realize that getting kids to eat everything they should is a challenge. This list is not an exhaustive listing of what your child should have for total health, rather it is featuring those that can play a key role in managing and reducing symptoms of ADHD. The good news is that is is extremely difficult to overdoses on vitamins. The typical worst side effect is very yellow urine.

1. A quality B complex is essential for optimal energy and brain function. It should include:

Thiamin

Riboflavin

Niacin

B6

Folate

B12

Biotin

Pantothenic Acid

Choline (good to have)

PABA (good to have)

2. A quality D3 which our bodies naturally produce with exposure to the sun. However most people do not get enough sunlight so supplementing is a good idea. D3 is the precursor – the building block – to a large number of hormones. Without it our body is deprived of optimal health and function.

3. A good Probiotic which will assist immunity, food break down into usable and digestible component. This could be Kefer or yogurt or fermented foods such as sour kraut for a natural source.

4. Good sources of Omega 3 Fatty Acid. Fish oil is better than Ritalin for ADHD, according to a study from the University of Adelaide in Australia. The omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA and EPA, within fish oil are critical for brain function and are also strong anti-inflammatories. So we recommend:

Fish Oil

Flax Seed Oil

Know that Flax Seed oil supplements need to be refrigerated else it will degrade and may spoil. Walnuts, Basil and Oregano are also source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids although small amounts but every bit helps.

5. Zinc – Children and adults with ADHD should supplement their diets with a high-quality zinc supplement. Low levels of zinc are associated with poor neurological function, poor attention and a variety of motor disorders. Dark green leafy veggies and beans are great natural sources of Zinc.

Essential Oils

Vetiver Oil has been used in traditional medicine in South Asia, Southeast Asia and West Africa for thousands of years and is a native to India where it’s known as“oil of tranquility.” It is the primary essential oil discussed with it come to management of ADHD back by Recent research which credits vetiver oil for treating symptoms of ADHD. Along with other uses it’s also known to treat insomnia without drugs.

Cedar Wood Oil is likely the most ancient of all Essential Oils. It helps to oxygenate the brain resulting in clearness of thought. This come from the Cedar tree and is known to active the limbic region of the brain, which is responsible for balancing emotions and feelings. It has a soothing effect, especially when diffused into the air.

To apply you may either add two drops of each to your hand and then rub on the child’s neck. Alternatively, if you like you can make a mister by adding 30 drops of each to a small 2-ounce colored glass bottle with a mister spray top and adding filling with rubbing alcohol. Just gently shake the bottle and provide 2 – 6 sprays on the neck, back and or chest while dressing.

Digestive Health is very important for general well-being since external substances gain access to the entire body through the intestines. The old saying, “You are what you eat,” is so true. The modern American diet highly processed foods, fast food, high calorie, high amounts of sugars, high

acidity

and low nutritional value diets is the direct cause of the majority of poor digestion and many illnesses. See our recent posting on Candida Overgrowth – 25 Signs You May Have It. As a result primarily of poor diet, digestive health problems lead to the development of symptoms in numerous body systems.

Watch this 90 minute video for an awesome review of Natural Digestive Health.

Signs of Trouble

So that you can either (1) pull yourself out of being or (2) keep yourself from being one of those statistics, pay attention to the signs your body is trying to tell you. Digestive Health problems can exhibit many symptom. Here are some to watch for:

Don’t Guess. Test for Digestive Health Problems

Thermography or thermal imaging can be used to evaluate digestive health since this medical procedure creates images that show areas of inflammation inside the intestines. These thermal scans can help diagnose food allergies and other digestive health problems.

Treatment for Digestive Health Problems

The treatment for digestive health problems usually includes a treatment plan that is personalized according to each patient’s symptoms and co-existing conditions. This treatment plan can include the following:

1.Probiotic and Digestive Enzyme supplements

Probiotic supplements improve gut health by restoring normal levels of the good gut bacteria. We are proud distributors for several highly purified premium Digestive Flora and Digestive Enzyme formulations. Digestive enzymes aid in the chemical breakdown of food into smaller, absorbable components so they can be readily absorbed and put into the bloodstream. In addition to supporting your overall (cellular) health and nutrition, these formulations prevent cramping, flatulence, belching, heartburn, and acid reflux. Digestive enzymes also regulate bowel movements, which helps to avoid both constipation and diarrhea. Beyond all this, Digestive Flora preps will advantage nutrition on a cellular level, plus boost metabolism.

2.Eating fermented foods for better digestion process

Eating traditional fermented foods helps increase levels of good bacteria in the intestines. Sauerkraut, kefir (fermented milk), natto (fermented soy), Kombucha, lassi (traditional Indian yogurt) and kimchi are some good examples. These fermented foods should be consumed on a regular basis since they also act as chelators and can remove toxins from the body.

3.Consuming or Taking Glutamine to Restore Intestine Health

Glutamine is very important for the repair and regeneration of the intestines. This nutrient can be obtained from eating foods like meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. Vegans can obtain their glutamine from beans, beetroots and spinach. Glutamine can also be consumed as a supplement after consulting your healthcare provider.

4.Drinking Water

Drinking around 8 glasses of water each day can improve a person’s general health and their digestive health. This water should be pure water which is not highly chlorinated. Without installing a whole house water purification system, you can potentially do what I did and install a 3 phase reverse osmosis filter system that fits under the kitchen sink with a sink top mounted faucet. It has a storage container that supplies on demand and can fill a couple cooking pots easily. Ours was purchased at our local big box home improvement center and installed in an hour or two.

The consumption of water should begin with squeezing a lemon into a glass and drinking it before breakfast to kick start the digestive system.

Cut fresh veggies and have ready to snack on all day while you work. Drink ginger & lemon tea adding turmeric for pain and inflamation reduction.

Peppermint, ginger and fennel herbal teas can also be consumed to heal the digestive system and increase a person’s daily water intake. Ginger tea is especially beneficial since it stimulates the production of digestive enzymes. It also relaxes the smooth muscles of the intestines and reduces cramps and gas.

I enjoy slicing fresh ginger into thin sheets, slicing around 1/4th to 1/2 a fresh lemon also into thin sheets adding them to a tall mug. I pour kettle hot water and dash in some Turmeric powered spice for its many benefits including anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and pain relieving. I typically get a huge amount of fresh ginger for $2 and 4 – 6 fresh lemons also for around $2 weekly on our shopping trips to the Auburndale Flea Market’s fantastic produce section.

5. Eat Raw Vegetables and Fruit

You cannot be your optimal health unless you are eating with your health in mind. Start by adding fresh cut veggies – ANYTHING you like to baggies and take to work to munch on ALL DAY. This will keep you full and satisfied. Try without any dipping sauces since those add sugars that aren’t needed. Vary it up with color, texture and flavors as well. For me carrots, celery and all colors of bell peppers are staples. I then depending on what I buy at the Lakeland Downtown Saturday Curb Market or the Auburndale Flea Market Produce area, I might have, cucumber, radishes, orange (many types), grapefruit, kiwi, broccoli, cauliflower, fresh berries, pear and more. Your body needs the whole real food nutrients, fiber and alkalizing benefits of raw fresh veggies and fruits.

5. Eating “liver foods”

Eating foods which enhance the health of the liver also improves the function of the entire digestive system. These foods include dandelion, milk thistle, beet roots and carrots. Did you know that the entire dandelion plant is edible and good for you? Organic is best but so long as it’s not treated with any pesticides you could have a salad waiting for you in your own yard. Dandelion is available as some local grocers and occasionally at the Lakeland Downtown Saturday Curb Market. Often people will turn to supplements for dandelion and milk thistle consumption.

6.Stress management

Stress can wreak havoc in the digestive system and aggravate many of the symptoms associated with poor digestive health. As a result, it should be managed effectively by practicing relaxation techniques like meditation and abdominal breathing regularly.

What you consume is all the raw materials your complex body has to function with. It’s predominantly

water, so ensuring it gets the cleanest and most water it can is vital to whole body function. Further the food you consume DEFINES YOUR HEALTH. Make choices to incorporate good foods and over time see the desire for bad food disappear or are those special occasion side tracks.

Candida Overgrowth can go undetected for a long time. Most people infected with candida are unaware of the yeast infection and they look very healthy on the outside. However when Candida population increases, it is able to penetrate the bloodstream through the walls of the intestines and cause a condition known as leaky gut syndrome.

These symptoms are also associated with numerous other conditions which make diagnosing Candida infection quite challenging.

Factors which lead to an increase in the candida population include:

Eating a diet rich in processed foods

Drinking a lot of alcohol

Taking antibiotics that kill the good bacteria in the intestines

Once the candida penetrates into the bloodstream, it triggers a cascade of infectious symptoms. It enters the blood stream by penetrating the protective mucosa lining within the intestines and throughout our bodies.

What is Candida?

Candida is a type of yeast which normally lives in the intestines in small amounts and aids the digestive process.

Julia Koehler, a Harvard University estimated that candida was responsible for around 60% of the fungal infections acquired in hospitals and it resulted in the deaths of every 1 out 3 infected persons. She reported that the fungus was dangerous because of its ability to change from a minor infection into a severe infection when the person developed low immunity.

Studies by Rice University reveal that around 70% of all people are affected by Candida. Research published in the Journal of the German Society of Dermatology found that Candida albicans was the species responsible for between 50 to 90% of all the candida infections (1).

Tests for Candida Overgrowth Yeast Infection

Candida infection can be tested by a blood test. This test checks for levels of antibodies to candida known as IgA, IgG and IgM. A Comprehensive Stool Test can also show positive Candida even when blood testing is negitive since the blood only checks for antibodies and not the actual yeast. Further, a Urine Test that looks for the yeast waste product that is called D-arabinitol can determine the presence of Candida overgrowth if elevated results is positive.

Treatment of Candida Overgrowth Yeast Infection

Once the candida infection is confirmed and its severity assessed, the treatment of candida often includes a comprehensive plan that can include the following:

Eliminating simple sugars like candy, deserts, chocolates, alcohol and flour from the diet since this fungi feeds on them.

Reducing the intake of complex carbohydrates like whole grains, beans, fruit, pasta and potatoes to further reduce the population of candida in the intestines.

Taking caprylic acid supplements which are obtained from coconut oil as it helps kill the yeast cells.

Taking probiotics to increase the concentration of the good bacteria in the gut and keep the candida in check.

You may read some herbalist recommending Oregano Oil. We do no recommend this as it kills all yeast, even the good ones you need.